MIR's Travel Blog:At the Crossroads of Europe and Asia

6 Ways to Explore the Silk Route by Private Train

For more than a thousand years, the interconnecting web of routes known as the Silk Road was at the heart of economic and cultural exchange between East and West. Winding through fabled oasis cities such as Samarkand and Bukhara, this legendary conduit gave rise to the trade of precious silks, spices, metals, and jewels that fueled ancient empires, and spread ideas, technology, art, and spiritual beliefs that shaped the ancient world.

Camel caravans of old once trudged through treacherous desert sands and mountain passes, but today, you can follow in the footsteps of ancient merchants, monks, conquerors, and explorers aboard a comfortable and stylish rail journey by private train.

Our collection of rail journeys by private train through Central Asia includes a total of six train routes along the Silk Road:

Why Travel the Silk Route Now?During our 30 years of operation, we’ve seen interest in travel to Central Asia skyrocket, and we couldn’t be happier that one of our longtime favorite regions has grown in popularity. The Five ‘Stans, along with Iran, are rich repositories of treasures waiting to be discovered. And MIR is a rich repository of expertise and insider knowledge about them.

The time to visit these fascinating Silk Road countries is now, and what better way to traverse their vast desert expanses than in the comfort and style of a private train?

Expert Travel Advice and AssistanceChat with Joannaabout Central Asia, and about details on our private rail journeys. She has traveled widely through the ‘Stans, and would love to talk to you about the various options. Chat with her by phone (111-111-1111) or email today!

3. Essence of the Silk Road & Beyond by Private Train

Traverse four of the five ‘Stans of Central Asia on this private rail journey along the Silk Road. Dip into Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to explore their fabulous mountain backdrops, and experience four UNESCO sites in 16 days, including three famed Uzbek Silk Road oases – Samarkand, Khiva, and Bukhara.

Expert Travel Advice and AssistanceChat with Joannaabout Central Asia, and about details on our private rail journeys. She has traveled widely through the ‘Stans, and would love to talk to you about the various options. Chat with her by phone (111-111-1111) or email today!

Expert Travel Advice and AssistanceChat with Joannaabout Central Asia and Iran, and about details on our private rail journeys. She has traveled widely through the ‘Stans and Iran, and would love to talk to you about the various options. Chat with her by phone (111-111-1111) or email today!

Maidan-e Nagsh-e Jahan, also known as Imam Square, in the center of Isfahan, is one of the largest urban squares in the worldPhoto credit: Devin Connolly

5. Iran & the ‘Stans by Private Train

This three-country rail journey explores Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan. Beginning in Iran, this unique rail journey winds its way through Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan, stopping at eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way.

Want a rail journey that focuses solely on Iran? On the Heart of Persia rail journey by private train, discover the incredibly rich treasures of one of the world’s most ancient civilizations and experience 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the deserts, mountains and urban spaces of Iran.

Expert Travel Advice and AssistanceChat with Joannaif you have questions about Central Asia and Iran or for details on our private rail journeys. She has traveled widely through the ‘Stans and Iran, and would love to talk to you about the various options. Chat with her by phone (111-111-1111) or email today!

Armenia’s blue-green Lake Sevan, at over 6,200 feet, isone of the largest alpine lakes in the world

Book Now and Save $500!Reserve your spot on the Caspian Odyssey by Private Train 2018 departure before December 31, 2017 and save $500 per person (more info).

Expert Travel Advice and AssistanceChat with Joannaif you have questions. She has traveled widely through the South Caucasus and Central Asia, and would love to talk to you about the various options. Chat with her by phone (111-111-1111) or email today!

Travel with MIR on a 2018 Rail Journey by Private Train

MIR is an award-winning company with over 30 years of travel experience in this area of the world, as well as affiliate offices in Siberia, Western Russia and Uzbekistan, providing a superior edge in on-the-ground operations.

MIR makes it easy to discover incredible destinations on all of our private rail journeys. Each train departure features comfortable accommodations, modern amenities, and superb service on board, and allows travelers to easily and efficiently cover thousands of miles across multiple time zones.

Give us a call at 1-111-111-1111 or email us to talk with one of our experts about your rail travel dreams. With so many rail journeys available and fabulous special savings offersto boot, one of them is sure to fit your style, schedule and budget.

Top photo: Khiva’s Old Town in Uzbekistan. Photo credit: Peter Guttman

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For 30 years, MIR has been specializing in creative, culturally immersive journeys in a very specific part of the world.

Our bloggers—an eclectic mix of travelers and staff—share their up-to-the-minute destination news, photos and insights into travel along the Silk Road, the Trans-Siberian Railway, and to Russia & its neighbors. More About MIR >